Goldsmiths University Brings Game Design Education To A New Level

Goldsmiths University based in New Cross, London have announced their new cohort to their MA Computer Games Art and Design course.

The course has been designed because of a need the gaming industry has of hiring more skilled designers into the business.

Included are modules based on game design, animation, programming and entrepreneurialism which will give post-graduates a wide range of experience to take to a game developer or entertainment company.

The Ben Pimlott Building with the famous Goldsmiths squiggle

The most exciting part is who is actually running the course. It will be led by Ian Palmer, a former Art Director at Codemasters. He was also a Lead Artist at EA Games, so he has an abundance of industry experience under his belt. Alongside Palmer will be computer and art pioneer Professor William Latham and Professor Frederic Fol Leymarie.

There will be teaching from computer games and art pioneers from both the research and professional sides of the fence. Students can expect to experience the whole package in a year full time or two year part time course.

Top industry partners will also be involved to take on interns during their course to learn hands on while working in industry. This kind of teaching has led to a 100% employability success rate rather than solid university teachings. It is important that students get a hands on feel for what it is like to work at a studio which universities and other education bodies cannot teach.

Students can expect to be placed at one of many companies involved including Sony, Supermassive, Rebellion, Ideaworks, Ubisoft Reflections and Jagex. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on a one year full time or two year part time course, industry experience will be open to you.

Students will also be taught the “indie start-up scenario” so they can walk away with the knowledge and ammunition to start their own businesses as well as work for an already established studio.

William Latham in front of his Artwork at Summerhall, Edinburgh

Ian Palmer, former Art Director for Codemasters and Lead Artist for EA Games

The MA’s co-director Ian Palmer comments: “I’m looking to approach the course from a very practical standpoint and want to teach the students both industry relevant practices and put them in similar scenarios which they will face while working in a development studio.

“Employability is my key focus on this course – ensuring that students have the knowledge, insight and relevant skills to make an impact as soon as they start working for their first employer.”

Modules on the course include Modelling and Animation, Games Design and Games Analytics and Games and Interactive Entertainment Business and Practice. Students will also complete modules in The History of Computer Games Art and Animation, An Introduction to Programming for Games and Interactive Graphics and Physical Computing.